Neckties

Best Neckties and Bow Ties in the UK: Where to Buy Stylish Accessories for Every Occasion

Introduction: Why the Right Necktie Matters

Neckties and bow ties are the punctuation mark of an outfit — they can whisper elegance, shout personality, or simply tie a look together. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a job interview, or just trying to elevate a weekday shirt, the right tie can make a heavyweight difference. In the UK market you’ll find everything from Scandinavian minimalism to classic British tailoring, and this guide helps you navigate where to buy depending on style, budget, and occasion.

What to Look For in a Necktie

Picking a tie isn’t just about colour. Think about fabric, width, and length first. Fabric affects drape and sheen, width changes the formality, and length ensures your knot ends in the right spot. I’ll walk through those elements in plain terms so you don’t need a degree in menswear to make a smart choice.

Fabric: Silk, Wool, Cotton, and Blends

Silk is the classic choice for sheen and a smooth knot; it works well for weddings and formal events. Wool or wool blends give texture and a more relaxed, autumnal vibe. Cotton and linen are great for warm months and casual settings. If you like low maintenance, polyester blends resist creases but sacrifice some luxury. Think in terms of touch and hang — is the tie soft like a ribbon or structured like a ribbon with weight?

Length & Width: Getting the Fit Right

Standard tie length for most adults sits around 57 inches, which usually reaches the belt line when tied with a standard knot. If you’re taller, consider 59 to 61 inches; if you’re shorter, a 55-inch or a tailor-altered option might be better. Width influences formality: skinny ties are about 1.5 to 2 inches wide, classic ties are roughly 3 to 3.5 inches, and wider ties lean vintage or traditional. Choose width to match your lapel — balance is everything.

Patterns & Colours: When to Play It Safe or Stand Out

Stripes and small geometric motifs are safe bets for offices and conservative events. Solid silk with subtle texture is a go-to for formal occasions. When you want to stand out, opt for block patterns, paisleys, or novelty prints — just keep the rest of your outfit simple. Colour coordination with shirts and suits is like a duet; you don’t want the tie drowning out the singer.

Lindex: Scandinavian Simplicity and Festival Flair

Lindex brings a Scandinavian design sensibility to accessories with clean lines and affordable options. While Lindex is often associated with womenswear and seasonal collections, their selection of neckwear can include playful items like bow ties and festive ribbons. If you’re after a simple bow tie or something themed — for example, a novelty bow tie with a national flag — Lindex can be a quirky, budget-friendly stop.

Featured Lindex Items: Bow Tie and Satin Ribbon

Among Lindex’s offerings you might find classic bow ties that work for children's dress-up or adult casual events. A novelty “Bow Tie With Norwegian Flag” gives a patriotic twist for themed celebrations. For more formal or traditional Scandinavian celebrations, Lindex may also carry satin ribbons — like those used for Lucia gowns — which double as elegant accessories or decorative accents. These items are good when you want style with a playful edge and a price that won’t break the bank.

Charles Tyrwhitt: Timeless British Tailoring

Charles Tyrwhitt is synonymous with traditional British menswear and a natural choice for anyone seeking high-quality silk ties and a wide range of patterns. Their selection runs from classic stripes to modern textures and they often offer different lengths and widths to suit various body types. Expect ties to drape neatly and hold their knot — ideal for interviews, boardrooms, and weddings.

T.M. Lewin: Workaday Staples and Smart Classics

T.M. Lewin focuses on workwear and business-appropriate neckwear, delivering a variety of silk and cotton options designed to complement dress shirts. Their ties typically suit the office environment perfectly: conservative patterns, solid colours with subtle textures, and dependable quality. If you’re building a capsule tie collection for professional life, T.M. Lewin is a practical choice.

Moss Bros: Formal Specialists for Weddings and Black Tie

Moss Bros is a specialist in formalwear, so it’s a go-to for weddings, black-tie events, and occasions that demand a polished look. They stock bow ties, cravats, and classic silk ties in dress colours. They also provide styled packages if you need matching accessories like square pocket cloths or braces. Think of Moss Bros as the tailor’s apprentice: they’ll get you looking sharp for the big day.

John Lewis & Partners: Department Store Variety

John Lewis is a reliable one-stop for neckties across price points. You’ll find designer labels, mid-range brands, and affordable options under one roof. The advantage here is range and the ability to feel fabrics in person. Whether you want a textured wool tie for fall or a glossy silk for a wedding, John Lewis usually has it available.

Marks & Spencer and Next: Everyday Quality and Value

Marks & Spencer and Next both offer neckwear that blends practicality with trend-aware design. M&S tends to use better fabrics and finishes for a slightly elevated everyday feel, while Next provides on-trend colours and patterns at accessible price points. Both are great for building a starter tie wardrobe without overspending.

Ted Baker and Designer Options: Patterned Personality

If you want to inject personality into your accessory game, designer brands like Ted Baker specialise in bold prints, playful motifs, and luxe fabrics. A Ted Baker tie can be the finishing flourish on an otherwise classic outfit. These are the ties that make passers-by do a double-take — stylish without being stuffy.

Independent and Bespoke Shops: For the Individualist

The UK has many smaller retailers and tailors offering bespoke and handmade ties. Think independent silk houses and local craftspeople on market streets or online platforms. Bespoke options let you pick fabric, lining, length, and width — they’re perfect when fit and uniqueness matter. For a truly personal touch, consider a handmade bow tie sized roughly 4.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall for adults.

Vintage and Second-Hand Finds

Don’t sleep on charity shops, vintage stores, and online second-hand marketplaces. Vintage ties offer unique patterns and materials that aren’t produced anymore, and finding a classic 3.5 inch silk tie can feel like treasure hunting. It’s sustainable and stylish, like giving a design a second life.

How to Choose the Right Knot

Different knots suit different collars and occasions. The four-in-hand knot is narrow and slightly asymmetrical — great for most shirts. The Windsor produces a wide, triangular knot for spread collars and formal settings. The half-Windsor strikes a balance between the two. Experiment a bit: a knot should fill the collar space without overwhelming it.

Quick Knot Tips

For a clean look, the tip of the tie should touch the top of your belt buckle. If your knot looks lopsided, retie it. Practice makes perfect — knots are like tying your shoelaces; once you know them, you’ll be faster and neater.

Styling Neckties for Different Occasions

Matching tie style to occasion is like matching seasoning to food — the wrong amount throws the dish off. For interviews and formal events stick to conservative tones and classic patterns. For a date or creative workplace, try textured silk or subtle patterns. For weekend gatherings or festival vibes, a novelty bow tie or patterned knit tie adds personality without trying too hard.

Casual vs Formal: When to Wear a Bow Tie

Bow ties are for formal affairs and quirky, personal statements. A black bow tie is mandatory for black-tie events; patterned or colourful bow ties are wonderful for parties and creative settings. If you’re going for casual but smart, a knit tie or slim cotton tie is often a better fit.

Caring for Your Ties: Practical Maintenance

Keep ties hanging to avoid wrinkles. If a tie gets creased, use a low-heat steam or carefully press with a cloth between tie and iron. Avoid machine washes — a silk tie is best spot cleaned or handed to a specialist. Roll ties loosely and store in a drawer if you travel. These small habits extend the life of a favourite tie.

Sustainable and Ethical Options

More brands now offer ties made from recycled silk, organic cotton, or produced under better labour standards. If sustainability is important to you, look for brands that disclose materials and production methods, or choose second-hand vintage options. Ethical purchasing is like choosing local produce: it often tastes — and feels — better in the long run.

Shopping Online vs In-Store: Pros and Cons

Online shopping gives you selection and convenience, with customer reviews to guide choices. In-store shopping lets you feel the fabric, test the knot, and check colour against your outfit under real light. If you’re unsure about length or fabric, try in-store first; if you already know your preferences, online can be faster and cheaper.

Budgeting: Building a Versatile Collection

Start with three core ties: a solid navy or burgundy silk, a patterned classic like stripes or small dots, and a textured neutral for seasonal wear. Expect to spend anywhere from affordable price points up to a few hundred on designer or bespoke pieces. Think of ties as investment accessories — a good one can elevate dozens of outfits.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the playful novelties available from fashion retailers like Lindex, the tailored traditions of Charles Tyrwhitt and T.M. Lewin, or the formal expertise at Moss Bros, the UK market caters to every tie style and budget. Pay attention to fabric, length, width, and knot choice, and mix in a few statement pieces to express personality. With smart care, your ties will last and keep you looking sharp. So go ahead — pick a tie that says who you are before you speak.